The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies on Sept. 10 rolled out a new study exploring the need for and capabilities of a next generation long-range strike aircraft. The report is authored by Mitchell’s dean, retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula. A bipartisan group of senators and congressmen also offered remarks during the Capitol Hill event, saying the US must ensure the success of the Long-Range Strike Bomber. Bombers bring enormous value to the United States and its ability to project power around the globe, including long-range strike and loiter capability, the ability to reassure and shape pre-conflict scenarios, unrivaled capacity, and limited vulnerability to adversary attack, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). The bomber forces, and air superiority, are key to maintaining the overmatch against potential adversaries around the world, and preserving this is vital to shaping potential global threats, he added. Rounds praised the study, adding it would inform the “doctrinal underpinnings” of how the LRS-B will be acquired and employed, helping to keep America’s bomber force credible. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) noted the US bomber force is vital to maintaining a credible strategic deterrent to de-escalate tensions, pointing to a 2013 B-2 mission to South Korea. “It is in fact the deterrent effect … that is such a powerful message,” she added. (Read the full study; Caution, large-sized file.)
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